June 27, 2015

This is the beginning of a new "series" where I give you a glimpse into my life, whether it be a grace that God is showing me, a funny happening, a struggle or just happiness from a day. Please comment below and give me a glimpse into your life.
Change. Every 24 hours the calendar moves to a new date. Time changes. People change. Places change.

We can't ignore it so the challenge is, "How well do we embrace change?"

I also realize that changes can be thought of in many different ways. Personal change. Relational change. Today I'm talking of physical change (as in where we live, job, etc...)

What words come to mind when you hear "change"? uncomfortable, excitement, new, adventure, scary, different. I have discovered something funny about myself...I like change for a few months as long as there is still something familiar to come back too, or I like change if it's acceptable to others.

But for the most part I don't love major changes. Why? Fear. Often I want change badly but the scariness of it holds me back. The fear of change {new, not knowing} is the scariest part of change. How do I face change? Do I believe that God is using it to change me? Do I embrace it as opportunities for discovery and grace? The truth is without change things die. Without change there would not be adventure. Life changes. Life grows. It moves. It's alive.

This year has held many changes for me; marriage, new state, new town, new name, new job and the list goes on. And the changes don't slow down...another move this month, in two months a move across the country, academic life, new jobs...

June 22, 2015

Whether you're a newly wed starting your kitchen for the first time or a single starting your own apartment one of the basic needs of any home is a kitchen. Agree with me here, please. Food, drink, laughter - much of life starts in the kitchen.

Though I grew up being in the kitchen all the time, it still was rather overwhelming when I got to have my own kitchen and realized just all I needed. But I knew I needed to keep things down to a minimal. So here are my 5 basic necessities for a kitchen.

Yes, you can disagree with me on these and leave me a comment with what you would have!

1. A good blender - this is a big chunk of money to throw out but seriously it has been so worth it. Smoothies, soups, muffins, etc. There are so many great recipes that require a blender. Personally I love the single serve cups that come with the Ninja. They are perfect for a quick smoothie! (side note: I would highly recommend going with the set that has the food processor if you can. I didn't and now regret that!)

2. Crock pot - meal ideas for this are endless....breakfast, supper, I've even seen dessert or jelly recipes for a crockpot. Mine is perfect for cooking supper while I work away from home a few days a week.

3. Cast Iron skillet - if you only have one pan get this! Can you use it in more than one way? My kinda of pan. In the oven with a cookie, on the stove frying morning eggs and bacon, uses are endless. Once you buy one, season it (google has lots of helpful links) and you are good to go.

4. Ceramic knife - these things cut veggies and meat like no other. I do have a great set of stainless steel blades that I love, but the sharpness of ceramic comes in very handy.

June 8, 2015

June again! May seemed to fly by with inches of rain, work, trips, yard projects and memories. This summer doesn't appear like it will pass any slower. There's a lot of change ahead. And lots of celebrations. Last year at this time I was in the midst of wedding prep, packing to move, finishing my job back home, etc. This year I am anticipating our first anniversary, more moves, big life changes and looking back at an amazing year of growing and falling more deeply in love with my husband.

going - this month has alot of comings and goings. One of the reason this is later than usual was due to a weekend choir tour this past weekend. My husband directed a group from church and they gave a few programs this last weekend. They did an awesome job! One thing I'm looking forward to this month is an out of state trip for a wedding of dear friends.

playing - "let's move" :) or maybe that doesn't count cause that's real. I have been playing around in the kitchen with new summer recipes.

wearing - flip flops and all things summery. I am not a huge fan of hot weather.

sipping - Kombucha! I have been so exited to get a Kombuha mushroom growing again and it hits the spot for hot summer days.

reading - many different books - recent highlights: My Name is Asher Lev, Bittersweet and The Hardest Peace. Those last two especially have been hitting in lots of challenging places.

June 1, 2015

"Our mattering doesn't depend on a stellar performance. We matter because we are children of the living, breathing, reigning God of the universe. We matter because we were bought with the blood of the Son of our Father God...We matter because He says we matter." - Jennie Allen

We have been created in the image of God. Any and all humans matters. Wealth, achievements, performance does not make us matter one bit more to God. He loves what He has created.